"Right-hand man?"

"Where did you find a gem like this guy?!"

Zephyr was visibly surprised when he heard Yoriichi Tsugikuni's answer. He gave Issho a few more curious glances.

He had a broad, square face and looked quite young—probably just in his early thirties. Several deep scars slashed across his face, running through both eyes, clearly leaving him blind.

But that wasn't a problem. His Observation Haki was likely very strong, so sight wouldn't affect his combat abilities.

And just now, during their quick exchange, Zephyr had sensed Issho's powerful physical strength and equally impressive Armament Haki. More importantly, it seemed he was also a Devil Fruit user. That strange counterattack earlier… judging from the technique name he shouted, could it be a gravity-based Paramecia?

If so, that Fruit was terrifying. Properly developed, it might even surpass the Glint-Glint Fruit used by Golden Lion Shiki!

Taking all this into account, it was no wonder Zephyr referred to Issho as a "gem."

"Anyone who truly carries justice in their heart will eventually join our Navy. It's not like I hunted him down," Yoriichi replied.

"Issho, don't take it the wrong way."

"Zephyr-sensei only wanted to test my strength a little earlier."

"He's the Chief Instructor of Marine Headquarters, and a former Admiral."

"As for the other man, that's Vice Admiral Garp, the Hero of the Marines."

Yoriichi introduced both Garp and Zephyr to Issho. Upon learning their identities, Issho quickly locked onto their auras using Observation Haki and offered a respectful greeting without arrogance.

"It's truly my honor to 'see' you both."

"Domou~"

Zephyr and Garp waved casually at him, both smiling. Zephyr even walked up to Issho and clapped him on the shoulder, saying,

"Issho, I'm counting on you to look after this kid, Yoriichi."

"You're a bit older, and Yoriichi tends to be a little impulsive. When you two work together, try to keep him grounded."

"I'm entrusting him to you!"

No matter how mature Yoriichi acted in front of him, Zephyr always treated him like a child. His view never changed.

Yoriichi himself had no idea why Zephyr thought he was "impulsive." Maybe his attack on the World Government left too strong of an impression.

"Uh, no..."

"Tsugikuni is actually a very steady person."

"Being able to support someone like him is already an honor."

Issho responded humbly. He hadn't expected Zephyr to say all that after just one meeting. From his words, Zephyr already trusted him deeply.

Though just a Sergeant, Issho had decent strength. But to be entrusted so openly by a former Admiral... it felt overwhelming.

"No wonder Yoriichi calls you his right-hand man."

"Such humility!"

Zephyr admired Issho's calm and modest demeanor even more.

So steady! Yoriichi needed someone like this by his side. Only by working with people like Issho could he continue to grow. Being dragged around by Garp had made him too reckless.

After some casual conversation, Yoriichi and the others finally learned why Zephyr and Garp had come to G-10 Branch.

Turns out, Vice Admiral Garp had been dispatched by Marine Headquarters to escort Yoriichi back, while Zephyr had simply tagged along because he hadn't seen the boy in a while.

Since their ride had arrived, there was no point staying at G-10. The trip to HQ wasn't long, so resting here wasn't necessary. It would just be a bit rough on the accompanying Marines.

After expressing their gratitude to Rear Admiral Roka for his hospitality, Yoriichi and his group boarded Garp's Doghead Battleship and set sail for Marine Headquarters. The G-ICE warship was left at the branch base, entrusted to Loka for safekeeping.

The Marines were doing their best to avoid unnecessary conflict. Even after boarding Garp's ship, Yoriichi could feel the tension rising among the crew, as if they were on high alert.

Issho picked up on the odd atmosphere and quietly asked Kyros about it. But Kyros didn't give a direct answer. He only said that Yoriichi had followed his conscience and offended the World Government.

He didn't elaborate, and Issho didn't press further. Instead, he felt even more admiration. Just a teenager, yet already brave enough to defy power and follow his beliefs. Issho truly believed Yoriichi was the right person—someone like him.

The voyage from G-10 Branch to Marine Headquarters would take less than ten days.

By late August, Garp's Doghead Battleship had already docked at Marineford's military port. On the day of Yoriichi Tsugikuni's return, a large crowd of Marines had gathered to catch a glimpse of the young man who had slain the Golden Lion and destroyed the Flying Pirates.

Although Yoriichi had spent some time at Marine Headquarters before, he had always kept a low profile. Only a few Marines had seen him in person. Most had only seen his photo.

The battleship docked, and a long wooden gangplank was lowered.

Garp and Sengoku were the first to step ashore. Not long after, Yoriichi followed with Kyros and Issho.

The group headed directly toward the Fleet Admiral's office.

At the front of the group were Zephyr and Garp. Behind them walked Yoriichi in his Justice cloak, flanked by Kyros and Issho.

As they moved forward, the Justice cloaks on Kyros and Issho fluttered in the wind, and their imposing aura drew many stares.

But what drew even more attention was the young man walking calmly between them—Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

He looked... so ordinary.

And that very "ordinariness" made an even deeper impression on the Marines watching.

"That red-haired kid is Tsugikuni Yoriichi?! He looks totally normal."

"Idiot. You think a guy who killed the Golden Lion is just 'normal'? The fact that he looks normal only proves how abnormal he really is."

"Who are those two beside him? They're clearly strong."

"The one with the sword is Kyros, a graduate from the Marine Academy. The other one's new—no clue who he is."

The nearby Marines whispered among themselves. Zephyr and Garp were used to such reactions, and Yoriichi's group didn't pay them much attention either.

Soon, under Garp's guidance, Yoriichi arrived at Kong's office. Kyros and Issho were taken by Zephyr to his home to settle in and did not join the meeting.

When Kong saw Yoriichi again, he noted that the boy's expression remained as calm as ever. No joy, no excitement, no nervousness.

A teenager with such a mature aura—it was hard to believe he was the same person who had impulsively attacked someone from the World Government.

Kong studied Yoriichi carefully and skipped the pleasantries. He pointed to a map behind him and asked directly,

"You're already aware of the commendation we've prepared for you."

"Your strength is outstanding. The Headquarters hopes you'll establish a new Marine branch in the New World. You can choose the location."

"Be it a remote island, a member nation of the World Government, or even a pirate stronghold—it's up to you."

"Of course, if you'd rather not set up your own branch, we can accommodate that too."

"You can still become a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters, but your missions will be assigned by us."

"Take some time to think about it. After your award ceremony the day after tomorrow, give me your answer."

Before Kong even finished speaking, Yoriichi shook his head and pointed to a specific island on the map.

"No need to wait, Fleet Admiral. I can give you my answer now."

"I want to establish a Marine branch in the New World. I hope the Headquarters will provide me with enough support."

"As for the location, I choose here. A crucial route in the New World… Dressrosa."

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100 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter

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